Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery (2004) 32, 182

r 2004 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.

doi:10.1016/S1010-5182(04)00010-1, available online at http://www.sciencedirect.com

Book review

Understanding Craniofacial Anomalies. The VII Molecular biology studies of craniosynostosis

Etiopathogenesis of Craniosynostoses and Facial and of facial clefting as well as future directions
Clefting by Mark P. Mooney and Michael I. Siegel, (for research).
Wiley-Liss, New York, 2002 Price: d118,00
Every chapter ends with a short summary and
many references are listed at the end of everyone of
these. While Part I is interesting to read, it is not
The book is compiled by two editors from the
inspiring—insufficient to make one buy the book.
University of Pittsburgh and 28 more authors who
Parts II and III are full of facts, which are very
have written 22 chapters altogether. The subject of
interesting to scientists but it is difficult for surgeons
this volume is most interesting, but the reviewer has a
to find the ‘take home messages’. Part IV is a
problem with the title of this book: Why do they say
compilation of data showing that no major break-
aetiopathogenesis when they mean aetiology and
through has been made regarding pathogenesis. In
pathogenesis?—The 22 chapters are grouped into
Part V you find ‘nuggets’ (long-term effects of
seven parts:
different surgical procedures) and in Part VI (de-
scription of findings regarding teeth in clefting and in
other craniofacial abnormalities) there are lists of
I Introduction, Terminology and Classifications of pathological findings that are of interest for the
craniosynostosis and of clefting. clinician. In Part VII the roles of dura mater tension,
II Aetiology and embryogenesis: Craniofacial of growth factors and growth factor receptors, of
embryogenesis, Normal and abnormal develop- transcription factors and of bone morphogenetic
mental mechanisms, Genetic aetiologies and proteins as well as several mutations of genes coding
Environmental aetiologies of craniosynostosis for these factors and their influences on suture
and of facial clefting. morphogenesis are described. In addition, there is a
nice narrative retrospective chapter on studies from
III Animal modelling: Animal models of cranio-
the past centuries, decades and years regarding
synostosis and of facial clefting.
aetiology of facial clefting. Finally, the last chapter
IV Cranial vault and cranial base dysmorphology is by H. C. Slavkin on ‘Molecules and Faces: What is
and growth disturbances: Evolutionary changes, the Horizon?’.
Cranial base dysmorphology and growth in Altogether this one volume of 583 pages and an
craniosynostoses and in clefting, Cranial vault index will be a good addition to the library of anyone
dysmorphology and growth in craniosynostosis. who is scientifically or clinically interested in facial
V Midfacial and mandibular dysmorphology and clefting and in craniofacial abnormalities—especially
growth disturbances: Evolutionary changes, in craniosynostoses. The price is reasonable and the
Clinical implications of facial dysmorphology in only handicap is that scientific research is producing
craniosynostoses and in facial clefting. so many new facts week by week that the book is
VI Regional dysmorphology and growth distur- probably outdated in some areas which the reviewer,
is not fully able to evaluate.
bances: Dental development and anomalies as
well as Vocal tract anatomy and functional Karsten K.H. Gundlach
consequences. Rostock, Germany

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